Last night I picked up the book Smart Women Finish Rich, by David Bach, and it’s actually really interesting. Of course, a lot of it isn’t relevant to me right NOW since I’m not living & working in the US (yet!), like the stuff about 401(K)s and stuff, but it’s actually pretty good. I’m glad I’m reading it now cause I am by no standards rich, and it’s easier to start managing money when you don’t have any! haha

Anyway, I’m only on the end of the 5th chapter, but I really appreciate the advice so far (although I’m saving wayyy more than the recommended 12% of your income – at the moment I’m more at 51.47%, not including the mandatory MPF contribution, which means I only have like 40% of my income to spend while I’m here – and that really isn’t very much, which is why I keep feeling like I never have money!)

My point is, I’ve never been a finance-y person, money things were always way over my head (as evidenced by my use of the phrase “money things”), but now that I’m reading this it’s really inspiring to take charge of my money and actually know where it is and where it’s going, and how I can make it grow and plan for retirement (it’s never too early!) etc. I also started tracking daily expenses a few weeks ago, and at the end of this month I’m gonna figure out how much I’m spending where, and where it looks like I should cut back.

All this financial clarity is so much better than spending first and thinking (and worrying) about it later! So if you don’t already, I highly suggest sorting out and organizing your finances, and picking up this book if you need help. It’s easy, I promise! It’s like spring cleaning your money – and you’ll feel so much better after…:)